Sri Malyadri Narasimha Swamy Temple

Introduction to Sri Malyadri Narasimha Swamy Temple

Sri Malyadri Narasimha Swamy Temple is one of Narasimha's famous and holy abodes. It is otherwise called 'Sri Malyadri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple' and 'Malakonda Temple,' located at Valetivari Palem, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh. 'Mala' represents flowers, and 'Adri' means 'hills.'

Sri Malyadri Narasimha Swamy Temple also has two holy rivers, River Krishna, flowing towards the North, and River Penna, flowing towards the south. A rock near the temple resembles the Govardhan Mountain that Krishna lifted on his little finger. Devotees shelter here for rest. Sri Malyadri Narasimha Swamy is also called "Santhana Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy" as he bestows childless couples with children.

Legend of the Sri Malyadri Narasimha Swamy Temple

According to the temple legend, once Sriman Narayana Murthy and his consort Sri Mahalakshmi were discussing universal mattes. He suddenly asked his consort about her wish. She replied that everything was good in her life except the existence of fewer numbers of Divya Kshetras on earth. Mahalakshmi requested him to create Divya Kshetras to increase the visits of his devotees for a peaceful darshan. He accepted her wish and asked Vanamala to make a vast Parvata on earth. Vanamala changed himself to Malyadri (Malakonda). This Malyadri hill has different types of trees, birds, animals, and other shapes of stones.

Another legend says that once Sachi Devi, wife of Indra Deva, requested Narasimha Swamy to bless her with a beautiful and intelligent child. Upon the instructions of Sharirvani, she performed Pooja to him with utmost devotion for 3 Saturdays and delivered a beautiful child. Since then, it has been an age-old practice to worship Narasimha Swamy in this way to be blessed with progeny.

The Architecture of Sri Malyadri Narasimha Swamy Temple

'Malyadri' literally means arrangements of mountains in a garland form. The west side of Malyadri temple has Ahobhila Narasimha Swamy, the northwest side has Sri Sailam, the south side has the Vrudhachala Kshetram, and the east side of Malyadri has the Narasimha Swamy of Singaraya Konda.

Sri Malyadri Narasimha Swamy Temple is believed to have been built during Kritha Yugam. Malakonda Mountain was fortified in 1769. Devotees can worship at two temples here. Rocks and flowers cover the entire way to the temple.

One is at the bottom, under a hillock, where only Narasimha Swamy graces his devotees, and another at the top has both Narasimha Swamy and Lakshmi Devi. Visitors should climb 970 steps to reach this hilltop temple. Devotees of Malyadri Narasimha Swamy give their children names that are associated with Sri Malyadri Narasimha (for boys) and Sri Mahalakshmi (for females).

The presiding deity, Malyadri Narasimha Swamy, is Sri Narasimha's incarnation. He holds Sudarshana Chakra in one hand and Shanku in another hand. Sri Mahalakshmi sits on his thigh, and one of his hands surrounds her. He blesses his devotees with another hand. There are seven Theerthams on Malyadri: Narasimha Theertham (Malyadri Theertham), Varuna Theertham, Kapila Theertham, Agastya Theertham, Sankara Theertham, Jyothi Theertham, and Indra Theertham.

Festivals in Sri Malyadri Narasimha Swamy Temple

Narasimha Jayanti is the only festival celebrated in the Sri Malyadri Narasimha Swamy Temple on Vysakha Shudha Chathurdasi, which falls in May. It is celebrated only on Saturday, even if this auspicious day falls on other days.

Benefits of Worshipping at Sri Malyadri Narasimha Swamy Temple

Doing Pradakshina (circumambulation) for 5 or 9 Saturdays is believed to relieve devotees from any problem.

People believe that when childless couples visit Sri Malyadri Narasimha Swamy Temple in the Jyeshta month and light the lamps with cow ghee for three consecutive Saturdays, Narasimha Swamy can fulfil their wishes and bestow them with children.